two...

happy birthday, oakley!

it has been two years since we were  blessed to welcome you into our little family.  you fit right in and bring us so much joy.  you have changed so much since then, it's hard for us to remember how life was two years ago. 

recently, you have added so many words to your vocabulary, it's hard to keep up!  you narrate everything that happens around you and love to share your opinion about things.  you are sleeping all the time, it seems, lately--three hour naps and close to 12 hours every night.  i think it's because we have been so busy since we moved to florida.  there are so many exciting things to do here!  speaking of moving to florida, you have taken the changes pretty well.  you have had your moments of defiance and general crabbiness, but i think part of that is wanting to be an independent boy.  we are so proud of how you have taken all the changes.  soon, we'll be in our own house and things will get back to normal.

  you love water more than anything right now.  we have spent a couple evenings at joey and ellen's friends' house recently.  they own a pool, and you light up when we tell you we are going to gaine's house.  the first time you played in the pool, you sat on your bum and leaned into us to fall in the water.  this weekend, you were jumping from your feet off the side into daddy's arms!  you love going all the way under the water, too.  we're convinced you are part fish. 

 jumping is a new skill you've mastered, too!  whenever you have the opportunity to jump off something, you're there.  steps, toys, curbs, and books are things we've seen you jump off of lately.  it's the cutest thing.

you have been working really hard learning how to play with cousin koa.  most of the time, you are a sweet boy and give him hugs and kisses.  you've had your moments of pushing and kicking, but when we point out your behavior, you give him a hug and say "sorry toa."  it's so sweet!  you will be a good big brother someday.

 

you are great at helping around the house and always want to be included in what daddy and i are doing.  every time daddy mows the yard, you get excited to go out and help.  you have a mower of your own and follow daddy around the yard.  you also like to, "mow tarpet" (mow the carpet) inside, too.  you love going for runs with me (riding in the jogger, of course) and vacuuming is a task you enjoy.  it's awesome to see how eager you are to help, and we always encourage it!

daddy and i are so proud of the boy you have become.  you have a wonderfully energetic personality and zest for life and we love how affectionate and fun-loving you are.  we are so blessed to have you as our son.  we love you monkey!

 

daddy and mommy